The MD of the Tax Free World Association has stepped away from the trade organisation, without a replacement having been lined up.
In a short statement, the global travel retail trade body & event organiser said today (6 July) that Franck Waechter, who assumed the role in November 2023, had “left the position of managing director of TFWA”. No further details about the move were disclosed, although Waechter (below), whose career to date includes three years (2008-2011) with Champagne Laurent-Perrier as Europe director, was wished “every success in his future endeavours”.
“Until new leadership of the permanent staff is in place, please refer all matters to the relevant member of the TFWA team,” added president Sarah Branquinho in the statement.
TFWA’s flagship annual event, the World Exhibition & Conference, returns to Cannes this year, running from Sunday 27 September to Thursday 1 October. Last year’s show hit a new record for attendees, with 7,999 visitors beating the previous high of 7,531, set in 2019.




